Full Post-Irma Caribbean Rebuilding Report

Amidst the ruin and wreckage Hurricane Irma wrought across Caribbean destinations are signs of recovery and the resumption of tourism activities that are the region’s lifeblood.

Several islands emerged relatively unscathed from the storm and continue to host visitors.

Meanwhile, other countries directly impacted by Irma are coordinating relief efforts, working to resume resort and tourism activity while rebuilding public and tourism infrastructure.

Considered among the islands at extreme risk for devastation as Irma approached, St. Kitts and Nevis government officials reported Thursday “The Federation is virtually unscathed following the passage of Hurricane Irma.”

The dual-island nation experienced “minimal” damage, the statement adds, and “tourism providers are in the process of reopening. Hotels are returning to business as usual and guests are continuing to enjoy their stays... restaurants, attractions and shops are now open.”

The country’s cruise business is also operating normally: Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fascination will call at St. Kitts on Friday as planned.

"Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has kept St. Kitts & Nevis in thoughts and prayers while we awaited the passage of the storm," said Lindsay F.P. Grant, the country’s minister of tourism, international trade, industry and commerce.

Several of Nevis’ signature properties are returning to business as electricity has been restored to the Federation’s smaller sister island. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is “in fine shape” while Hermitage Inn reports general debris but no structural damage.

Despite damage to its Sea Breeze Beach Bar and beachside deck, as well as to its adjoining beach, the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club’s Great House and cottages “are in excellent condition” according to a statement from resort officials.

Puerto Rico is also resuming tourism-related activity post-Irma. The territory’s tourism infrastructure and attractions are operational although there are some power outages, said an official at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC).

Most hotels and essential services including hospitals are operational due to generators, the officials said. While many hotels across mainland Puerto Rico are accepting guests, attractions including parks and beaches are “currently being assessed to ensure a committed focus on quick clean up in the coming days.”

Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport was expected to resume operations following an early afternoon assessment, although flight delays are expected. While the status of the San Juan cruise ship port—among the Caribbean’s most active—is now being assessed, ship calls “are expected to resume shortly.”

“Travelers planning to visit Puerto Rico can be confident in that their plans should not be affected,” said Jose Izquierdo, PRTC’s executive director. “Our industry is ready to continue providing the quality experience that distinguishes us,” he added.

Heading Toward Recovery

Some islands confronted a mixed picture following Irma’s passage.

In Anguilla, one fatality was reported and the tiny island also endured “moderate to severe” damage to the hospital, airport, fire station, police station and government buildings and utilities.

Anguilla is receiving help from the British government, which has deployed U.K.-based humanitarian aid experts to assist with needs assessment and aid coordination. A British naval ship carrying 40 Royal Marines and Army engineers has landed in Anguilla with equipment including vehicles, tents and facilities to purify water.

In the Dominican Republic’s Bavaro Beach/Punta Cana resort area, Irma produced torrential rains and winds but otherwise did not significantly impact operations at the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, said company officials.

“Barceló Hotel Group confirmed that all of the brand’s resorts in the Dominican Republic are at 100 percent operation,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, some Caribbean islands, including the Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and the southern Caribbean countries of Aruba, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad and Curacao were mostly unaffected by Irma.

Scenes of Devastation

Yet, other islands presented pictures of extreme devastation. While its larger sister island of Antigua was relatively unharmed, Barbuda was leveled. The government imposed a state of emergency Thursday, coupled with a voluntary evacuation order.

Ninety percent of Barbuda buildings, including 30 percent of all homes were severely damaged, said government officials.

The state of emergency does not apply to Antigua: “[It allows] authorities to carry out necessary work for the immediate safety of the island and its rehabilitation, including the attraction of disaster relief from the international community.”

Barbuda is already receiving some much-needed aid following the disaster. The Global Bank of Commerce on Thursday announced the establishment of a Barbuda Relief Fund at the Caribbean Union Bank “to assist in the re-building of Barbuda following the passage of Hurricane Irma,” said Brian Stuart-Young, chief executive officer of Global Bank of Commerce.

Stuart-Young said his bank has contributed $200,000 to the government’s account designated for Barbuda’s rebuilding: “The board, management and staff of Global Bank of Commerce joins with the government and community to express our love and concern for the community in Barbuda who are facing severe challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma."

Meanwhile, the French/Dutch island of Sint Maarten and St. Barth’s, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands all reported significant damage due to Irma.

St. Barth’s government buildings, private homes and resorts, including The Eden Rock Hotel, were destroyed. With flooding prevalent throughout the destination, the French government is sending people and supplies to the country to assist with recovery efforts.

There was “significant damage to infrastructure in St. Thomas and St. John,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ commissioner of tourism. “The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas will not be open for commercial traffic before the next weather system passes the area this weekend."

St. Croix “did not receive the full brunt of the storm,” and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport is receiving flights, said Nicholson-Doty.

Irma caused four casualties on St. Thomas and communications remain limited.

“We are deeply saddened that lives have been lost and extend our condolences to the families,” she said.

Hotels, government offices, homes and smaller buildings were badly damaged on both the Dutch and French sides of Sint Maarten. Princess Juliana International Airport suffered extensive damage to the roof and building, although authorities are working on clearing the runway.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said St. Maarten had suffered "widescale destruction of infrastructure, houses and businesses” with “no power, gasoline or running water.” Sonesta Hotels reported major damage to all three of its resorts, and Oyster Bay Beach Resort also reported extensive damage. Further reservations at the hotels will be canceled through the end of 2017. The Westin Dawn Beach also suffered significant damage.

Four people have been confirmed dead and 50 injured in St. Martin while one death is confirmed in St. Maarten. The French and Dutch governments are sending people, supplies and aid to the country.

“The destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in the British Virgin Islands has been devastating. With cell phone towers down and power outages, it has been difficult to receive communication from within the territory, and to fully assess the damage,” said Sharon Flax-Brutus, the B.V.I.’s director of tourism.

Flax-Brutus adds the country “has lost entire structures and many homes are without roofs, or have been diminished to merely foundations. There may have been fatalities in the territory, but there are none confirmed at this time as we are still in the assessment process.”

The B.V.I. government is coordinating humanitarian relief efforts and is also expecting the British Royal Navy ship HMS Ocean to arrive Thursday to offer relief and support.

Flax-Brutus said a BVI Recovery Fund, has been created on behalf of the government. “We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support for the BVI community,” she said. “The people of the British Virgin Islands are resilient and we are confident we will be able to rebuild.”

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